On April 10, the provincial government announced that York, along with the 16 other Ontario universities that offer a teacher education program, would condense their curriculum into a one-year model. The Ontario College of Teachers approved these changes on Sept. 1, meaning that starting in May of next year, York students pursuing their concurrent bachelor of education will have their time in the program reduced from two years to just three consecutive semesters.
Tracy Chen, a double major in concurrent education and dance, shared her feelings about the change. Chen highlights how Ontario’s demand for K-12 teachers is constantly outpacing the supply. To her, reducing the bachelor’s program to one year “definitely helps to get teachers out there faster, whether they be experienced or inexperienced.” The condensed program will retain its current minimum 80-day practicum requirement, and Chen notes that skipping a full year of theory may not be too detrimental. “Your first year of Bachelor of Education is theoretical,” Chen explains. “I personally don’t believe that teaching as a job and as a career is theoretical. I believe it’s more practical.”
Professor of education Virginia L. Grimaldi says she is less concerned with the duration and more concerned with the calibre of classes. “I don’t necessarily believe that two years is inherently better than one. What matters far more to me is the quality and relevance of what teacher candidates are learning.” Grimaldi mentions the possibility of the shorter time disrupting the balance of theory and practice, as teacher candidates also need “opportunities to translate that theory into the actual practice of teaching.”
Grimaldi also voices her concerns with other potential pitfalls of the change. “I wouldn’t want to see valuable practical learning opportunities sacrificed simply to shorten the program.” She mentions how sticking to a singular way of teaching the various prospective educators is a near impossibility. “Someone with a degree in Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Studies,” Grimaldi explains, “their learning needs may be different from those entering the program with a degree in French or Biology. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t necessarily serve either group particularly well.” Despite these misgivings, an “exceptionally well-designed” 12-month program, according to Grimaldi, may be more valuable than a two-year program that doesn’t “adequately prepare students for the realities of teaching.”
It should be noted that economically, students gain a massive benefit. For a domestic student, a standard semester in York’s concurrent education program requires 15 credits, which amounts to roughly $3, 700 in tuition. The removal of one semester in the province’s new model reduces the costs of the schooling itself, and would also allow students to save money on housing and start their careers earlier.
Amidst a teacher shortage, many see the 12-month model for concurrent education as a reasonable measure. However, the fear that York may not be able to prepare teachers within the condensed period may prove to be a valid concern.
